Kick Ass Year for traveling, this 2011!

A lot of people say that 2011 was forgettable. Last night, my friends called it the worst year ever. I say, it's one year i will never forget. 2011 for me was a year of accomplishments and opportunities to prosper and grow as a human being. I've become selfless, eager and determined to make sure the goals i set come into fruition. I've matured as a person and as a  traveler. I couldn't ask for more.

If 2009 was a year of excitement and many firsts and 2010 was a year of dreams coming come true, 2011 was the year where i definitely kicked ass in the travel department. Here's why.

HTC Explorer x Pinoy Boy Journals

There are good news and there are great news. 

Before the year ends, i've got one big surprise for everyone.

Tonight was the launch of HTC's latest entry level smart phone called HTC Explorer. And i was just officially named its brand ambassador.

To HTC Philippines, thank you for the opportunity to share my greatest passion in life with everyone. As I said earlier tonight, having this phone is like having an adventure all on its own. 

You know the feeling of your first?

You will never forget it.

HTC Explorer, it surely feels like the first time.

As a backpacker, i pack light... but i pack with power.

I've made the right choice!

I will just doze off tonight, and plan my next trip so i can take this buddy of mine right to where it belongs... in the wild.

Cheers!

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Filipino travel journals about backpacking in the Philippines, Asia and Beyond!

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100 Helpful Tips for an Unforgettable Indian Experience

There's no place like India and anyone daring to travel around this huge country err more like a continent, will be rewarded with experiences that will be so damn unforgettable. What you see on TV, read in the news and other blogs shared by travelers is probably true. I reckon it would be times three, once you've successfully set foot in this gorgeous country. 

Before i preempt myself with my introduction, let me share with you, based from my experiences, 100 things you have to know (you'll be glad i shared this with you) about India. Hopefully, this will help you out as you plan on this great journey to an exotic, blessed and life-changing hideaway.

I am a fighter.

Yesterday, the country celebrated the birth of one of its national heroes, Andres Bonifacio. A man who has fought a damn, good battle. I couldn't pick a better date to write this story than today.

Pinoy Boy Journals in India

Soon on Pinoy Boy Journals.
Video shot in Pahar Ganj, New Delhi, India

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The City of Victory: Jaipur, Rajastan, India

It feels different to be traveling in Rajastan. It's like a different India out there. The people are less manic, and the streets become larger but less noisy. It was an eventful train ride from Varanasi to Jaipur, and all 17 hours of it. I got the last seat in a sleeper non ac and i thought this is going to be tough. Surprisingly, it's the most comfortable journey I've had in India. They call it the killer trip because it's a long ride, and lots of thieves. Good thing, Medical students from Okinawa, a French hippie and a couple of Indian veterinarians kept me company. I dozed off after 15 minutes.

Don't tell my mother, i shaved my head in Varanasi

It's been a long journey from Delhi to here. I slept in a three bunk sleeper bed, and i had to bend to drink water. Wow! Good thing, some peeps from the train kept me company. I have to tell you about my bunk mate who was so intense, a few minutes after, he was meditating and motionless. He is piercing me and i wouldn't be surprised if he knew what i was thinking. I always say, that people from India look at you at a very special way. When they look at you, you know you will be remembered. Good thing, my timing is perfect. There's a festival here, and i have seen tradition to the core and to the full. When i say there's lots of people here, is a major understatement. I am right here in Varanasi where i've always wanted to go. I am in the holy city of Varanasi and i think my time here is done. I've talked to many people from here, and slowly i am getting the answers i was looking for.

New Delhi - They see you, you canèt lie!

Believe me when i say that everything youève heard about India is probably true. I am now in New Delhi and i cannot explain how tantric this city is. The minute i stepped outside the airport, i was already smoking with an Indian police. Its been almost three days that i am roaming around in New Delhi and i actually love it.

This keyboard sucks. Right here in Khao San Rd.

It has been a homecoming for me. I'm right here in Khao San killing time before i am off to the airport for my flight to New Delhi tonight.

Last night, i had the most quiet, yet most rewarding night out with a big 'ol bottle of Chang of course. I've seen more beautiful Lady Boys than actual girls. And yes, it was a level-up from last time that i was here. I still love Bangkok, and i have seen a couple of stuff i want to buy but i need to pack light for India. Anyway, i have a free day when i return so that should be my agenda.

Also, from the last time i was here, i also become more Thai looking. Now, everyone seems to think i'm from here. I try to disassociate myself from the normal tourist-holding a Lonely Planet book. An old man hugged me like his son in one of the Pad Thai places. I knew i was home.

Since last night, i was going to familiar places and it's such a delight to know my favorite places are still here. I've been spending a little too much but it's okay. By the way, i am staying at the very same guesthouse where i was the last time i was here. Same old, same old... very warm bath and confusing aircondition system. It's only 300 baht, i got what i paid for.

So there... I need to contact my hotel in New Delhi but if i can't because it's 45 baht/min to call international. I am taking my chances and will see later on if i get the taste of Indian surprise.

Surprise me, India. So looking forward to it.

P.S. Can i just say how this keyboard sucks. I am typing really really hard now. Errr. ha ha

Pinoy Boy Journals
Location: Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand

Re-birth

By the time you read this, i have already left for Bangkok for my trip to India.

It always pains me to leave family and friends behind when i'm out there in the unknown. But it's always a pleasure knowing i am seeing the world and not just looking at it. And i thank everyone who understands.